In his budget proposal, Gov. Shumlin has chosen the wrong way to fund an increase in the child care subsidy to benefit the state’s poorest children. The governor intends to cut the Earned Income Tax Credit rather than seek a tax on the highest incomes. Given the choice of raising revenue from those with the most money or those with the least money, does it make any sense to burden the families in poverty?

Also the Governor proposes cutting benefits to Vermont’s poorest to encourage them to seek employment, even though finding work can leave these families economically worse off. Benefits are discontinued for the eligible when they find employment, even when the employment does not pay enough for family needs. Rather than limiting these benefits, why not provide incentives for breadwinners to find employment and sustain their benefits until their wages can begin to match their family needs?

It is easy to blame the poor for their poverty, but the poor did not cause this economic dilemma. That was done by wealthy bank executives and financiers. The wealthy have done well through this crisis; the poor have struggled. I cannot believe that Vermonters will permit a tax increase on those who can least afford it. Vermonters believe in fair dealing and justice, and this is neither fair nor just.